Managed services are versatile and effective business strategies that allow you to outsource specific operations, processes, or IT functions to a third-party service provider. The managed service provider (MSP) is responsible for proactively monitoring and managing the specified functions or systems on your behalf.
Managed services cover various areas, such as IT infrastructure management, network monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and database management. These services are designed to provide you with access to specialized expertise and resources. This approach helps reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for expensive IT infrastructure or hiring an internal IT team.
This guide will discuss various managed services that can strengthen your IT management and help you keep up with your company’s changing requirements.
End-user services refer to a set of solutions offering IT support desks to your staff and clients (also known as end-users) by an MSP. The IT service desk and helpdesk solutions are at the core of these services, where users can seek resolutions for various technical issues. Here is a breakdown of what end-user support includes:
The MSP addresses and resolves technical issues affecting users’ productivity. They offer user support through different channels, including phone support, an online ticketing system, remote desktop support, and a self-service knowledge base. Their primary objective is to provide fast and professional assistance to employees to minimize downtime and ensure continuous productivity.
With infrastructure support, the MSP manages your critical infrastructure components, including servers, networks, and storage. They provide proactive maintenance, monitoring, and support to ensure that these systems are always running efficiently.
Basically, the MSP takes responsibility for all infrastructure-related tasks in this area, such as:
The MSP should provide a service level agreement (SLA) outlining the specific services offered, support levels, and response times, which can be customized to meet your unique requirements.
With cyberattacks growing more frequent and complex, prioritizing the security of your IT infrastructure is crucial to preventing disruptions and maintaining business continuity. Partnering with an MSP is one of the best options to achieve this goal. Your business can benefit from the expertise of security professionals who deeply understand the latest cyber threats and how to mitigate them.
MSPs can help you strengthen your IT environment through a robust security strategy, such as employing real-time alerts and proactive security measures to detect any risks in your systems. These measures may include managed detection and response, threat hunting, email security services, and security awareness training. Listed below are the security measures MSPs employ:
Working with an MSP allows you to access a skilled team of experts who can complete critical IT projects. For instance, let’s say you need to modernize your legacy systems or deploy a seamless Teams infrastructure. Your internal IT team may be overburdened or need more specialized skills for these tasks. The MSP can assist you throughout the entire project lifecycle:
IT consulting and strategic planning are crucial for establishing a dependable, future-proof IT infrastructure that aligns with your business objectives. It goes beyond day-to-day IT management.
Your MSP begins with an in-depth evaluation of your current IT infrastructure and business operations. The MSP will then develop a customized strategy based on the evaluation to optimize your technology and streamline your processes. Having a well-defined IT strategy is a key factor in adapting to changing business needs and technological advancements. The services typically provided by MSPs include:
Data management is a process that involves the proper storage, organization, security, and backup of data. It is critical to ensure that data is easily accessible, well-organized, and secure. Effective data management minimizes downtime and financial losses by enabling swift data recovery in case of incidents. MSPs usually handle services like:
The primary task of device and inventory management is managing and maintaining an inventory of IT assets and devices connected to your company’s network. This includes all hardware and software components crucial to your organization’s day-to-day operations.
The main objective of this process is to ensure that all IT assets and devices function properly, are up-to-date with the latest security patches, and adhere to company policies and regulations. The services usually included are:
Technology has changed how businesses operate, and those who can adapt and take advantage of the latest innovations are better positioned to thrive in today’s fiercely competitive business environment. With the right MSP, your organization can delegate technology-related tasks to industry experts, allowing you to focus on your core competencies.
We understand that managing IT can be both time-consuming and expensive. BlackPoint IT offers proactive IT management solutions with a dedicated virtual Chief Information Officer and a team of experts. We’ll work with you to tailor a solution that perfectly aligns with your IT requirements.
Are you ready to explore your options? Contact us for a free consultation.